Spacing of architectual shingles on hip roof

NEWBIE ROOFER ALERT...

I'm replacing the roof on a detached garage. The roof is a hip style with a 4:12 pitch and currently has three tab shingles on it. I noticed that the three tab shingles are perfectly centered on the roof with a pattern that repeats every other course. Of ALL the information I have found on the internet about applying achitectual shingles, NOWHERE have I found information about how to properly space them for a HIPPED style roof. All the examples, including the manufacturers installation literature, are gable type roofs.

I want to make sure that I don't create extra waste (in material and time)by cutting more shingles than I have to. But, more importantly, I want to be sure the job is done right and I don't end up with a pattern alignment or shingles that end in line with the previous course.

Can someone explain how do do this properly? A picture would be helpful too, if possible.

Also, will a simple utility knife cut the architectual shingles? Or, should I look for another tool at my local store?

Thank you in advance for the help.

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Spacing of architectual shingles on hip roof

Follow the instructions on the package. You will have more waste than a gable roof, but you can use the cutoffs as starters or finishers on another part of the roof. You can use regular knife blades if you cut from the back side.

Spacing of architectual shingles on hip roof

I would get a pair of multi-purpose straight nosed shears to cut with.

Just make sure you stagger your joints well. If you get to the right side and it calls for a small piece, I will often ignore that and come back from the right with a full piece or a 3/4 or 1/2 and another piece. So you'll have a larger piece at the end, then a 1/2 shingle filler.

Don't be too concerned about wasting $30 worth of shingles on the roof.

The other thing you'll want is a crayola type of marker to mark your cuts.

Spacing of architectual shingles on hip roof

Thanks Everyone!

Once I started tearing off the old shingles today, I started thinking more about it. The manufacturer (Owens Corning) calls for a 6.5" spacing for each sequential course. With the 4:12 pitch, this should work out fine.